Call The Damn Leads

Sales and marketing are changing fast, and if you're still out there just shouting features and discounts, you're getting drowned out in the noise. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Reid Holmes, veteran creative director, author of Appreciated Branding, and brand strategist who's spent 30+ years helping companies earn loyalty by delivering real value and unexpected delight. We dig into why word-of-mouth still beats advertising, how to build brands people are proud to share, and why the best sales conversations are about helping people transform—not just closing deals. If you've ever wondered how to stand out in a sea of "me-too" competitors, this conversation is for you.     🔥 Episode Highlights Disarming objections the smart way – Reid shares a killer story about flipping a sales conversation by saying "I'm not sure you're the right client for us either." Excuses are buying signals – Why objections like "now's not a good time" are actually proof that your product is needed more than ever. From Pain Island to Happy Island – How to sell the transformation your product creates, not the "boat" that gets them there. The Appreciated Branding mindset – Why it's not about pushing more ads but about earning gratitude through proactive problem-solving. Costco & cultural currency – The retail giant proves that when you delight customers, they become your marketing team. Referrals are everything – How keeping current customers entertained and educated creates raving fans who send you more business. The plateau of indifference – Why most brands get lost in crowded markets and how "unexpected delight" pulls you above the noise. Winter-learns, not win-or-learns – Reid's approach to small pilot programs that test ideas cheaply but can scale huge.     💡 Key Takeaways Stop selling the boat. Customers don't care about your features—they care about getting from their pain to their desired transformation. Flip the script. When you push back gently on prospects, you position yourself as a trusted advisor, not a desperate salesperson. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing. Your current customer always knows your next customer. Treat them accordingly. Crowded categories demand differentiation. In markets where everyone looks the same, the brand that surprises and delights wins. Attention is earned, not bought. In today's noise-filled world, appreciation is your most valuable currency. Referrals and retention = growth. Don't just chase new business—educate, entertain, and appreciate your current clients so they stay and send others. Marketing has evolved. The interruption model is dead. The future is about solving problems in meaningful, memorable ways.     🔗 How to Connect with Reid Holmes 📖 Book: Appreciated Branding 🌐 Website: ReidHolmes.com – free chapter + resources available 🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/reidholmes 📱 LinkedIn: Reid Holmes     📣 Call to Action If you're tired of fighting in the "laundry detergent aisle" where every brand looks the same, listen to this episode with Reid Holmes and learn how to build a brand people thank instead of just tolerate. Then share this with someone you know who's doing marketing the wrong way—spamming instead of serving. Help them see there's a better path. And if you've got a crazy sales story of your own, head over to callthedamnleads.com/podcast and let's get you on the show.     📣 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don't miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

From selling cakes in her family bakery as a kid to building a multimillion-dollar beauty business and now running a family office that helps entrepreneurs across multiple industries, Angela Thomas knows what it takes to scale. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, Angela shares her wildest sales story ever (spoiler: it involves "French pedicures" and one very unusual request), the mindset shift that took her from one-to-one client work to one-to-many programs, and how she now helps entrepreneurs avoid the trap of scaling expenses instead of scaling profits. This conversation is hilarious, insightful, and packed with strategies you can use to scale your business without burning yourself out.     🔥 Episode Highlights Sales from the start – Angela's first exposure to selling came as a child in her family's bakery. The French pedicure fiasco – A sales call that went sideways fast and left Angela with the strangest objection of her career. Credibility through adversity – How she went from proving herself in a small-town beauty studio to training the entire industry across Europe. Scaling lessons learned – Why adding employees can increase costs without creating freedom. Zoom jail – The hard truth about trading time for money, even as a consultant. The holiday hustle – How Angela closed 12 high-ticket clients in just four days by picking up the phone. Subconscious incompetence – The hidden mindset block that stops entrepreneurs from offering scalable solutions. Scaling across industries – How the same value-chain principles work for dentists, real estate agents, magazines, and beyond. Trust over hard selling – Why building relationships beats "Wolf of Wall Street" tactics every time. The Skillionaires Podcast – Angela's upcoming project to share more stories and lessons from scaling entrepreneurs.     💡 Key Takeaways Not all growth is good growth. Adding people doesn't always equal profit — scalable systems and offers do. Detach your income from your time. One-to-many programs and digital courses create leverage and freedom. Your mindset sets the ceiling. If you don't believe scaling is possible in your industry, you'll never try. Trust is the new currency. Customers want relationships and value, not pushy sales tactics. Leverage the value chain. Clear messaging, trust-building, and strong client journeys work across every industry. Even the craziest objections can become stories that build your credibility.     🔗 How to Connect with Angela Thomas 🌐 Website: Angela Success Consulting 🎙️ Podcast: The Skillionaires (launching October) 📱 LinkedIn: Angela Thomas     📣 Call to Action Loved Angela's mix of humor and hard-earned wisdom? Share this episode with someone who needs to rethink their scaling strategy (or just needs a laugh about weird sales calls). Got a wild sales story of your own? Apply to be a guest at callthedamnleads.com/podcast.     📣 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals." Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career. Expect a wild mix of: Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields Whether you're in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don't miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at 👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

The way people search, shop, and buy online has changed forever. Google AI overviews, ChatGPT, and new platforms are taking center stage, and if you're still relying on traditional SEO alone, you're already falling behind. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, to talk about how business owners can adapt to the new digital landscape. Wes shares a client story where a $3K investment in SEO led to a $140K contract after ChatGPT named his client the best in Australia for their service. We dive into website mistakes that cost businesses credibility, the importance of niching down, and why humanizing your brand matters more than ever. Plus, Wes and I unpack the psychology of online reviews and how even a negative review (handled well) can boost your credibility.     🔥 Episode Highlights SEO is evolving fast – Why "Search Everywhere Optimization" is the future, not just Google. From $3K to $140K – A real client case study proving the ROI of smart SEO in today's AI-driven world. The danger of generic AI content – Why copy-pasting from ChatGPT hurts more than it helps. Humanize your brand – Buyers want real stories, real voices, and authenticity they can trust. Niche to win – How narrowing your focus makes you the obvious choice in your market. Less is more – Cutting low-margin offers and simplifying your message can increase profits. Reviews are gold – Why a few 3- and 4-star reviews actually make your business more credible. Handling mistakes with integrity – How owning up to problems can turn losses into long-term wins. Your website is still home base – Social media gets attention, but your site is where you control the message.   💡 Key Takeaways Adapt or fall behind: SEO is no longer just about Google — you need visibility across AI platforms, search engines, and social. Authenticity sells: Cookie-cutter content blends in; your unique voice and story are what set you apart. Reviews build credibility: Don't fear negative feedback — the way you handle it can attract more business than hiding it. Niche down to scale up: Specialization builds authority, attracts your ideal clients, and simplifies sales. Own your message: Your website is the one place you fully control. Make sure it reflects your brand and builds trust. Mistakes can be opportunities: How you respond to problems matters more than the problem itself.   🔗 How to Connect with Wes Towers 🌐 Website: http://uplift360.com.au 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers?utm_source=chatgpt.com     📣 Call to Action If this episode got you thinking about how your business shows up online, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Got a sales story of your own? Pitch it at callthedamnleads.com/podcast.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

AI is here — but it's not replacing salespeople anytime soon. In fact, if you're smart about how you use it, AI can give you back the most valuable resource in sales: time. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan "Coach" Kvarfordt, a sales leader and AI strategist at Momentum, to dig into the hype versus the reality of AI in sales. From CRM automation that doubles your selling time to the legal landmines of AI cold-calling, Coach drops serious truth bombs about how to use AI responsibly — without sacrificing the customer experience. If you've ever wondered whether AI is about to take your job, this conversation will set the record straight: your human skills matter more than ever.     🔥 Episode Highlights The AI Dream vs. Reality: Why the "perfect AI that replaces reps" doesn't exist (and isn't coming anytime soon). 3 Levels of AI in Sales: Productivity, amplification, and reinvention — and why you can't skip ahead. AI Voice Agents in Real Estate: Where it's working, and why opt-ins and transparency are non-negotiable. The Klarna Case Study: How cutting human CS reps backfired — and why CX always wins. Legal Compliance 101: Why AI cold-calls without consent could bankrupt your business. AI Is in Its Teenage Years: Sometimes brilliant, sometimes awkward, always unpredictable. The Human Edge: Why rapport, negotiation, and emotional intelligence are your new superpowers. AI & Content Creation: Why lazy prompts kill trust, and how to use AI to amplify your own expertise instead of sounding like a robot.     💡 Key Takeaways AI is a tool, not a replacement. Use it to save time and automate the repetitive stuff, not to avoid real human connection. Trust is the real barrier. Both your customers and your team need confidence in how AI is being used. CX beats cost-cutting. If automation erodes the customer experience, you'll lose in the long run. Your skills are the differentiator. As AI handles discovery and admin, doubling down on negotiation, rapport, and trust-building is where you win. Transparency matters. Don't sneak AI in — be upfront, and customers won't mind.     🔗 How to Connect with Jonathan Kvarfordt 💼 LinkedIn: Jonathan "Coach" Kvarfordt 🌐 AI Training: gtmaicademy.com 🚀 Company: Momentum     📣 Call to Action AI isn't here to replace you — it's here to elevate you. But only if you sharpen the human skills that no algorithm can touch. 👉 If this episode hit home, share it on LinkedIn, tag Coach and me, and pass it along to a friend in sales who's nervous about AI. And if you've got a sales story that needs to be heard, I want you on the show. Head to callthedamnleads.com/podcast and pitch your episode.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

Sales pros love to hate on marketing… and marketers love to remind salespeople they don't know everything either. But what happens when someone like Sarah Stahl bridges that gap? You get the kind of results that turn a zero-visibility treehouse resort into a seven-figure revenue machine with 93% occupancy in just one year. Sarah brings 15+ years of marketing experience and breaks down how sales professionals can harness influencer marketing, AI, and social platforms to stand out in crowded markets, build trust faster, and create a consistent pipeline of leads that are already warmed up before the sales call. From the 95–5 rule to why comments beat posts on LinkedIn, Sarah and I dig into practical strategies salespeople can use right now to win more business without burning themselves out.     🔥 Episode Highlights From Startup to $1M+ Revenue: How Sarah scaled a treehouse resort using influencer marketing instead of paid ads. The Power of Storytelling: Why stories sell better than facts — and how one quirky detail (golf carts!) became the resort's brand differentiator. Influencer-Driven Conversions: How influencer trust cuts sales cycles from 20–30 touchpoints down to less than 7. Platform Strategy: Why you shouldn't try to be everywhere — and how to choose the right platform for your audience. LinkedIn Growth Hack: How Sarah used AI to model her content on top-performing posts, tripling her visibility in months. Why Comments Matter More Than Posts: Her secret to driving 10x engagement on LinkedIn without posting more. The Role of Controversy: How sharing bold opinions (without being toxic) accelerates reach and attracts ideal clients. AI + Your Voice: The exact way Sarah trains ChatGPT to speak in her tone and create authentic content. The Airbnb Myth: Why relying solely on Airbnb or "rented land" platforms is a recipe for disaster in short-term rentals (and how this lesson applies to every industry).   💡 Key Takeaways Trust is currency. Consumers trust people more than brands. Let others tell your story for you. Don't rent your brand. Platforms like Airbnb (or Instagram alone) are rented land. Build your own. Content consistency compounds. Most of your audience isn't ready to buy now — but they'll remember you when they are. Engagement > Posts. Comments and conversations drive more visibility than publishing alone. AI is a tool, not a replacement. Use ChatGPT to speed up ideas, refine your voice, and cut the fluff — but always add your perspective. Pick your platform wisely. Sales pros don't need TikTok dances. Go where your audience already spends time. Controversy sparks connection. Thoughtful, bold takes cut through noise and drive real conversations.   🔗 How to Connect with Sarah Stahl 🌐 Website: sarahstahl.com 💼 LinkedIn: Sarah Stahl   📣 Call to Action Sarah proved that when you align sales and marketing, focus on trust, and leverage the right tools, you can create explosive growth without burning your budget. 👉 If this episode lit a fire for you, share it on social media, tag Sarah and me, and send it to a friend in sales or marketing who needs to hear this message. And if you've got your own story to tell, I'd love to feature you. Pitch your story at callthedamnleads.com/podcast.   🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Most people would never guess that today's guest, Marc Schmidt, grew up with a cleft lip and palate. That challenge could've held him back, but instead, he turned it into fuel—building a successful podcast, stepping into public speaking, and proving to himself and others that your story is your superpower. In this episode, Marc and I dig deep into the realities of imposter syndrome, what it really means when you feel like a "fraud," and how to keep creating content even when the results are small at first. Marc's journey is living proof that you don't need millions of listeners or a "perfect" voice—you just need the courage to show up.     🔥 Episode Highlights From Hidden Work to the Spotlight: How Marc went from behind-the-scenes TV production to launching his own podcast. Confidence Through Action: Why encouragement from others gave Marc the courage to keep showing up. Imposter Syndrome Redefined: The surprising truth—if you feel it, it's probably because you care and operate with integrity. Early Struggles of Podcasting: Guests who didn't show, episodes that flopped, and how persistence kept Marc in the game. The Value of Early Supporters: Why the first few people who cheer you on matter more than the masses. Small Audiences = Big Impact: How even 150 views can be life-changing if the right person hears your message. Future Vision: Marc's mission to mentor new podcasters and help others find their voice.   💡 Key Takeaways Authenticity wins. Being yourself is the most powerful sales and branding tool you have. Encouragement has ripple effects. A single "you've got this" can change someone's trajectory. Imposter syndrome = integrity. It's not about being fake—it means you care about showing up the right way. Persistence beats perfection. Every podcaster, entrepreneur, or salesperson stumbles. The ones who win just don't quit. Impact > numbers. Even a handful of listeners or viewers can make your work worthwhile if it sparks transformation.   🔗 How to Connect with Marc Schmidt 🎧 Podcast: Marc My Words (available everywhere podcasts stream — Apple, Spotify, etc.) 🌐 C-Suite Radio Headliner: C-Suite Network 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcschmidt 📌 Podmatch Podcast Network: Discover Marc + other great shows there     📣 Call to Action Marc's story is a reminder that you don't need to be "perfect" to make an impact—you just need to start. Whether it's podcasting, sales, or creating content, the most important step is showing up consistently. 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, share it on social media, tag Marc and me, and send it to someone struggling with imposter syndrome. Be that early supporter who makes a difference in their journey. And if you've got a sales story of your own to share, I'd love to hear it. Pitch yourself at https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Sales doesn't have to feel fake, forced, or manipulative. In fact, the most powerful sales strategy might just be showing up as yourself, being consistent, and having the courage to challenge prospects when it matters most. In this episode, I sit down with Bryan McDonald, sales coach and founder of On Purpose Growth, to dig into the psychology of selling, building authority, and why respect will take you further than being liked. From his early career "trial by fire" lessons to his proven frameworks that help sales pros succeed without losing themselves, Bryan shares straight-talk strategies you can put into play immediately.     🔥 Episode Highlights Trial by Fire: How Bryan's very first sales manager taught him everything not to do when clients begged him never to bring the guy back. Authenticity Over Persona: Why "shape-shifting" kills trust—and how unapologetically being yourself creates authority. Punch & Hug Philosophy: Bryan's unique approach to challenging prospects while still earning their trust. Frameworks vs. Scripts: Why scripts can feel fake, and how frameworks give salespeople freedom to be authentic. Respect Over Likeability: Why seeking respect builds stronger long-term relationships than simply trying to be liked. Emotion First, Logic Second: How sales conversations always start irrationally, and why you must connect emotionally before logic kicks in. Challenging Builds Trust: How saying "why do you even want to do this?" creates deeper buy-in. Consistency Wins: Why most salespeople lose because they fail to consistently follow a process and stick with it.     💡 Key Takeaways What you give is what you get – Show up with confidence, trust, and authority, and you'll receive it back from prospects. Authenticity sells – You don't need suits, gimmicks, or personas. Just be unapologetically you. Challenge with care – Don't be another "yes person." Healthy pushback earns trust and authority. Sales is emotional first – People decide with feelings and justify with logic. Learn to speak to the emotional brain. Framework beats scripts – Adopt repeatable structures, but make the words your own. Consistency compounds – The #1 skill most sales pros lack. Show up, follow through, and stick with your process.     🔗 How to Connect with Bryan McDonald 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanmcdonald 🌐 Website: https://www.mcdonaldbryan.com/ ✉️ Join his newsletter: https://onpurposegrowthcommunity.com     📣 Call to Action Sales isn't about slick tricks—it's about trust, consistency, and the courage to tell people what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. If this episode gave you value, share it with a colleague, tag me and Bryan on social, and spread the word. And if you've got your own crazy sales story, I want to hear it. Head to callthedamnleads.com/podcast and pitch yourself as a guest. Until then—be real, be consistent, and most importantly… Call The Damn Leads.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnlead

In this follow-up conversation, I sit down again with Dr. Joey Drolshagen to dive deeper into the power of the subconscious mind and how it impacts success in sales, business, and life. Joey doesn't just "teach" this stuff—he's lived it. From burning out on the road to now helping entrepreneurs and sales professionals reprogram their subconscious and unlock rapid results, Joey shares actionable tools and mindset shifts that anyone can use to break free from limitations. This episode isn't about theory—it's about results. If you've ever felt stuck despite reading the books, attending the seminars, and learning all the strategies, this conversation will show you why you're not broken… you're just programmed. And programming can be rewritten.     🔥 Episode Highlights The Subconscious Motherboard – Why 85% of your results come from your subconscious programming, and what that means for your success. Having It All – Joey's story of clients who believed they had to sacrifice their personal lives to grow professionally, and how he helped them build both without the burnout. Breaking Revenue Ceilings – How one client went from "I'll settle for $1M" to consistently hitting $50K–$57K weeks with less effort. The Beginner Mindset – Why "I know, I know, I know" will keep you stuck, and why being a "yes, yes, yes" person is the true unlock. Action Beats Information – Why so many people stay the same despite reading all the books and taking all the courses. Finding Fun in Sales – How making prospecting enjoyable rewires your subconscious to create more consistent results. Fulfillment in Service – Joey's joy in helping people uncover blind spots and make breakthroughs, even in a simple 15-minute call.     💡 Key Takeaways 85% of success is subconscious — if you don't rewire, you'll keep repeating the same cycles. Work + Life isn't a trade-off — you can build a thriving business and a fulfilling personal life if your mindset is aligned. Your beliefs set your ceiling — one client capped himself at $1M until he shifted his programming, then scaled effortlessly. Beginner mindset is non-negotiable — growth comes from openness, not from already "knowing it all." Implementation matters more than education — action turns knowledge into results. Enjoyment drives consistency — choose sales activities that energize you, not drain you. Fulfillment fuels impact — helping others break free of unconscious patterns creates energy and meaning far beyond money.     🔗 How to Connect with Dr. Joey Drolshagen 🌐 Book a 15-Min Call: coachwithjoey.com 📕 Free Copy of His New Book Reprogramming Your Subconscious Mind: The SMT Method for Rapid Results (with booked call) 📱 Instagram: @drjoeydrolshagen  🌐 Website: joeydrolshagen.com     📣 Call to Action If you've been stuck spinning your wheels, this is your chance to rewire and rise. Joey's offering a free 15-min call and a copy of his book to listeners — don't miss it. And if this conversation hit home, share it with someone you know who's holding themselves back. One share could unlock someone else's breakthrough. Remember, knowledge without action changes nothing. Take the action. Call The Damn Leads.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I'm joined by my friend Jeff Smith — entrepreneur, investor, author of Operation Wealth, and fellow RV nomad traveling the country with his family. Jeff's story is a masterclass in evolving your business and personal life for long-term freedom. After 12 years as a gym owner and nearly two decades in financial services, Jeff realized most small business owners were great at making money… but terrible at keeping it and turning it into sustainable wealth. Now, through The Tactical Empire, Jeff helps business owners and sales professionals design lives of choice, not obligation. His system — The 7 Levels of Financial Freedom — shows you how to turn today's income into tomorrow's passive cashflow so you can work because you want to, not because you have to. If you've ever wondered how to escape the income treadmill, protect your family's future, and still enjoy your money along the way, this conversation will give you the blueprint.     🔥 Episode Highlights From Gym Owner to Wealth Architect – How Jeff's time in the fitness industry revealed a major gap: entrepreneurs making money but with no plan for the future. The Owner-Operator Trap – Why most service-based business owners (and many sales pros) get stuck working for their business instead of letting their business work for them. Lifestyle Creep Dangers – Why increasing your expenses every time your income goes up is the fastest way to chain yourself to the grind forever. Life of Choice, Not Obligation – Jeff's definition of freedom isn't about early retirement — it's about having the option to take a Tuesday off or work only on projects you love. The Bare Ass Minimum (BAM) – How to calculate the minimum income you need to cover essentials — and why hitting this number with passive income is the first step to real freedom. Infinite Banking Explained – How properly structured high cash value life insurance can allow your money to grow in three ways at once, fund your investments, and protect your family with a seven-figure death benefit. Why Most People Get Infinite Banking Wrong – The #1 mistake people make when setting up policies and how to avoid it. Optionality Is Everything – Whether it's allowing your spouse to leave a job or choosing to scale back without financial stress, Jeff shows how intentional planning creates choices. The 7 Levels of Financial Freedom – A step-by-step framework for building wealth in as little as 2–7 years depending on your starting capital. Legacy Beyond Money – Why Jeff wrote Operation Wealth not just for entrepreneurs, but for his own kids — so they'd have the tools to create their own success stories.     💡 Key Takeaways Income is temporary; systems create lasting freedom. Don't wait until a crisis to start building your financial foundation — set it up while things are good. Lifestyle creep can silently destroy your future options; peel off profits early to invest. Infinite banking isn't just a tax-efficient savings tool — it's also a built-in legacy and security plan for your family. Passive income covering your BAM is the game changer — it turns "have to" work into "want to" work. Define your own version of success and build toward it with intentionality. You don't have to actively operate real estate or a business to profit from it — choose the asset class that fits your lifestyle. Options reduce stress — when your finances aren't dictating your choices, you can focus on what matters most. The systems that build wealth are simple but require discipline and consistency. Legacy isn't just about what you leave behind — it's about equipping the next generation to thrive.     🔗 How to Connect with Jeff Smith 📖 Grab Jeff's book Operation Wealth: 🌐 Website: https://thetacticalempire.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjeffsmith 📱 Follow The Tactical Empire on all platforms     📣 Call to Action If this episode hit home, share it with the sales pro or business owner in your life who's making money but doesn't have a plan to keep it. The answer to all your money problems is to Call The Damn Leads — but the key to keeping that money is putting the right systems in place.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Christopher Filipiak — a sales strategist, engineer-turned-entrepreneur, and creator of the Sales Ready Organization Framework. Christopher has helped hundreds of CEOs ditch the fear of selling, stop wasting resources, and build scalable, repeatable sales systems that actually work. We dig deep into why so many founders hide from sales, how skipping the fundamentals leads to expensive hiring mistakes, and why the first person who needs to master sales in your business is you. If you've ever thought, "I'll just hire a sales team and they'll figure it out", you need to hear this.     🔥 Episode Highlights 10 Minutes to 2 Sales Meetings – Christopher shares a real-life example of calling just three leads, booking two meetings, and advancing both to discovery calls — all in under 10 minutes. Proof that a well-targeted, well-practiced outreach crushes "spray and pray" dialing. The CEO Sales Avoidance Epidemic – Founders often choose "comfortable" tactics over effective ones, building sales processes around what feels safe rather than what works. Christopher calls this out as selfish — if you can solve someone's problem better than anyone else, hiding from sales is robbing them of that solution. The $400,000 Sales Hire Mistake – On average, CEOs fire 3.25 salespeople before finding the right one. Each failed hire can cost upwards of $400K when you add up lost time, missed revenue, and onboarding costs. Your Business is a Lamborghini – Throwing a rookie into sales without training or systems is like handing the keys to a luxury sports car to a 16-year-old and expecting a perfect lap time. Why Salespeople Fail in Small Businesses – Most failures happen because of unclear expectations, no client avatar, and broken processes — not because the salesperson is bad. The Sales Ready Organization Framework – Five pillars that every business needs before scaling sales: Mindset – Sales confidence from the top down. Leadership – Direction, accountability, and vision. Marketing – Targeting the right people with the right message. Sales – Documented, repeatable, proven process. Project Management – Continuous improvement on the sales operation. Stop Wasting Time – Too many businesses overproduce: proposals nobody asked for, calls to unqualified leads, and "busy work" that doesn't lead to revenue. The Three-Step CEO Sales Path – Master sales yourself to create consistent revenue. Build a sales-ready organization with processes, clarity, and systems. Hire and equip salespeople who can scale what's already working.     💡 Key Takeaways Conversations with the right people beat mass outreach every time. CEOs must lead sales at the high-value deal level until their process is bulletproof. Hiring salespeople won't fix a broken sales system — it will magnify the problems. Clearly define your ideal client avatar before you make a single hire. Stop expecting salespeople to do marketing — give them qualified leads and a clear process. Document your sales process so it's "microwave instructions" simple. Build mindset into your sales culture — it's as important as skills and scripts. Use project management to improve sales operations continuously. Eliminate wasted effort — measure activities by how directly they lead to revenue.     🔗 How to Connect with Christopher Filipiak Take Christopher's Sales Ready Organization Assessment to find out exactly where your business stands: (link to be included in blog post) 🌐 Website: https://www.christopherfilipiak.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfilipiak   📣 Call to Action If you got value from this episode, share it on social media, tag us, and send it to the business owner who's stuck on the hamster wheel trying to "figure out" sales. And remember: the answer to all your money problems is to Call The Damn Leads.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

This week on Call The Damn Leads, I got to chop it up with Leslie A.M. Smith—a PR expert, communicator, and all-around badass when it comes to teaching people how to connect, convert, and keep customers through intentional, empathetic communication. Leslie's been in the game for 30+ years helping businesses dial in their message, align marketing with sales, and navigate the chaos of customer experience. She's seen the good, the bad, and the absolute dumbest communication mistakes—and today, she's dropping gems for anyone who wants to close more deals without turning into a robot or a liar. From mirroring language and emotional intelligence to the importance of I-statements and AM/FM alignment, this episode is a masterclass in sales psychology and customer retention.     🔥 Episode Highlights 🎧 AM/FM Communication Leslie drops the concept of "Same Airspace, Different Wavelengths"—where two people are talking but not understanding each other. If your prospects aren't responding, chances are you're speaking on the wrong frequency. 🧠 AI Can't Replace EQ We talk about the trap of AI bots and automated responses. Real people want real humans who listen and care. Period. 🎯 Sales Scripts Need Empathy Using empathy phrases like "That must be frustrating" instantly diffuses tension. If your sales script doesn't include that, you're missing the magic. 🛑 Avoid the "You" Trap Leslie teaches the power of I-statements in de-escalating tough conversations. Stop blaming the customer. Say "I want to help you…" instead of "You're doing it wrong." 🤝 Marketing & Sales MUST Align You can't promise one thing in your ads and deliver another in your sales pitch. Walk the customer journey yourself. If you wouldn't buy from your own funnel, why should anyone else? 🔁 Mirror to Connect From matching posture in person to echoing exact words in a proposal—mirroring builds trust and authority. And fun fact: those who don't mirror? Might be sociopaths (not kidding!).     💡 Key Takeaways Active listening beats aggressive pitching. You don't win deals by talking—you win them by hearing exactly what the other person is struggling with. Words matter. "Frustrated" isn't the same as "angry." Use the same words your customer uses. People want to feel heard, not sold. Every sales call, every proposal—it's your chance to reflect what matters to them. Align your brand across all touchpoints. Your customer experience starts the moment they see your ad—and it better match what happens when they call. Your team represents the brand. Train them to handle things with grace, curiosity, and human connection—not robotic policy recitations. Own your mistakes, then overdeliver. When something goes wrong, show up big. Leslie calls it "equal and opposite reaction." Turn mistakes into lifetime loyalty. Every business is an experiment. Pay attention to feedback and be willing to retool, rename, or reboot if it's not working.     🔗 How to Connect with Leslie A.M. Smith Leslie is helping businesses of all sizes rewire how they communicate—internally and externally. She's available for consulting, speaking, and will soon be dropping a new line of communication classes. 📚 Book: Newton's Laws of Promotion 🌐 Website: https://www.mccormickla.com 📧 Email: leslie@mccormickla.com     📣 Call to Action 🎧 Laughed or learned something today? Then do us both a favor: Share this episode on social media Tag Leslie and me Drop a 5-star review Send it to someone who needs help in the customer service department Or just go out and Call The Damn Leads like your commission depends on it—because it does.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

On this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I get to chop it up with the incredible Marcylle Combs—a seasoned business leader, speaker, and first-time author who proves that perseverance, purpose, and a servant's heart are the ultimate sales tools. Marcylle shares how she built a successful healthcare business from scratch, built long-term relationships with hard-to-reach doctors, and leaned into follow-up with relentless determination. We also dig deep into leadership, motivating your team, and the incredible impact of giving back through her nonprofit, 2612. Whether you're trying to crack the code of B2B sales or build a mission-driven company culture, this episode is packed with real talk and tactical gold.     🧠 Episode Highlights 🧺 The Food Basket Fiasco Marcylle tells a hilarious story about showing up to a doctor's office with a basket of food…right after the staff had food poisoning. It's a cringeworthy moment that still landed her a referral partnership—because she didn't give up. 💪 When "No" Means "Not Yet" Whether it's five rejections or five years of follow-up, Marcylle breaks down why persistence isn't just powerful—it's profitable. 🔥 Team Motivation That Works From warm fuzzies to surprise treats, Marcylle shares her creative, low-cost ways to boost morale and keep teams inspired even during tough seasons. 🛠️ Building Sales Through Community Marcylle's 2612 nonprofit shows how giving back can energize company culture and bring deeper purpose to your business. From pushing wheelbarrows to disaster recovery, service builds real unity. 📣 Small Machine, Big Impact Learn how Marcylle's team leverages partnerships with larger nonprofits like Samaritan's Purse to make a huge difference—proving that small businesses can still play a massive role in helping others. 📚 First-Time Author Energy Marcylle drops some laughs and lessons from her new book, Never Hire Your Friends, and opens up about what it really takes to lead with love and wisdom in the workplace.     🚀 Key Takeaways Rejection Isn't Personal Marcylle reminds us that as salespeople, we're here to serve—not seek validation. Focus on the mission, not the emotions. Follow-Up Wins That "no" today might be a "yes" five years from now. Your consistency matters more than their temporary resistance. Celebrate the Small Stuff Motivation doesn't always have to be monetary. Personal gestures, recognition, and even a fuzzy toy can make a huge difference. Sales & Leadership Are About People Real leadership means jumping in the trenches with your team. When the CEO's pushing the wheelbarrow, everyone notices. Giving Back Drives Growth Building a business that gives to the community not only strengthens culture—it attracts better people and opportunities.     🔗 How to Connect with Marcylle Combs Marcylle is doing amazing work in leadership, sales, and community service. Whether you want to check out her new book, explore 2612, or just get connected with a powerhouse woman in leadership—you've got to follow her journey. 🌐 Website: https://www.marcyllecombs.com/ 📚 Book: Never Hire Your Friends – Available on her website 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcyllecombs 🌍 Nonprofit: Learn more about 2612 on her site     📣 Call to Action 🎧 Liked this episode? Don't keep it to yourself. Share it with a fellow leader, team member, or friend who needs to hear the message Tag Marcylle and me on social and tell us your favorite takeaway Leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps us reach more amazing listeners like you Know someone doing dope work in sales or leadership? Invite them to share their story: callthedamnleads.com/podcast     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I chop it up with New Jersey real estate powerhouse Dennis Mark Interdonato—a dude who proves that staying ethical, real, and resilient in sales is the ultimate cheat code. We get into a WILD 3-year real estate deal that nearly broke every rule in the book—and how Dennis stayed in the fight, showed up with integrity, and kept doing the damn work even after being fired. We dive deep on buyer psychology, double agency ethics, and how to forecast like a damn professional (hint: follow the data, not the hype). If you're in real estate, sales, or just trying to do the right thing while building a legacy, this one's for you.   🧠 Episode Highlights 🔥 3 Years, 3 Attorneys, and One Savage Realtor Dennis shares the ultimate real estate war story—a subdivision deal gone sideways that STILL isn't closed after three years, and why he stuck it out anyway. 📈 2025 Market Predictions & The False Boom Dennis breaks down what's coming for the market, why NJ is different from the rest of the country, and how to prepare for a temporary rate-cut-fueled frenzy. 🎯 Buyer Representation: Why It Matters More Than Ever Think Zillow is enough? Think again. Dennis explains why going solo in real estate is like playing chess with one color—and why every buyer needs a pro in their corner. 👀 How to Spot a Shady Realtor Don't get bamboozled. Dennis shares exactly what to look for when interviewing agents, including the one question that exposes fake professionals immediately. 💼 Doubling Down on Referrals and Long-Term Play Why Dennis avoids double-ending deals, stays in his ethical lane, and coaches his team to focus on client-first thinking to earn long-term referrals.     🚀 Key Takeaways Integrity Over Everything Even when fired, Dennis kept advising the client and doing the right thing. Sales ain't just about money—it's about character. Specialize and Stay in Your Lane He sticks to residential and builds partnerships for commercial deals, showing the power of referrals and teamwork. Every Deal Is a Chess Match From structuring offers to navigating inspections, strategy matters. That's why a real buyer's agent is worth every penny. You Can't Fake Real If an agent is over-scripted and sleazy, run. Authenticity matters more than ever in today's market. Training Teams on Ethics and Long-Term Value Dennis makes sure his people know: if you're doing it just for the commission, you're already losing. Success Requires Being All In "I'm not a realtor for me. I'm a realtor for you." Dennis shares how being all-in for his clients created both income and impact.     🔗 How to Connect with Dennis Mark Interdonato Want to work with someone who's really in it for the right reasons? Dennis is your guy. 🌐 Website: https://www.thedreamhomelife.com 📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.mark.5 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamhomelife_re 📹 TikTok: @redwhiteandrealestate 🎥 YouTube: Search "Dennis Mark Real Estate"   📣 Call to Action Got value from this episode? Then share it with someone who needs to hear it. Maybe a struggling realtor who needs a gut check. Maybe a buyer thinking of going it alone. Either way—spread the love. Tag me and Dennis on social, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode packed with real talk and real tactics.   🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with David Forster, a serial entrepreneur who's built and sold multiple businesses—not by grinding harder, but by systemizing smarter. David brings the kind of insight that only comes from being in the trenches, making hard pivots, and learning how to build businesses that don't require burning yourself out to succeed. We dive deep into how clarity, delegation, and consistency are the real cheat codes for small business owners and sales professionals alike. Whether you're doing $250K or $2M a year, this episode is packed with tactical gold to help you stop spinning your wheels and start scaling the right way.     🧠 Episode Highlights A Dream That Changed Everything David shares how a divine nudge in his sleep led him to walk away from his first business and gave him the clarity to build more intentionally. From Chaos to Clarity After building and selling seven businesses, David explains how identifying your personal goals must drive how your business is structured. The Real Cost of DIY How holding onto low-value tasks is robbing you of growth—and how a virtual assistant can save you hundreds of hours per year. Don't Just Work Harder—Work Smarter Learn how a few strategic tweaks in a landscaping business led to $34,000+ in extra profit per crew, without adding new people or equipment. Systems Over Sweat Why your inbox, SOPs, and KPIs matter more than hustle, and how to train your team without losing control. Kill the Distraction of "More Offers" David breaks down why selling more services isn't the answer—and how simplification creates freedom. Empower Your Team Without Playing Hero We discuss how to stop solving everyone's problems and start developing thinkers, not task-doers.     🚀 Key Takeaways Clarity Drives Structure If you don't know what you really want, your business will always feel like chaos. Build your operations based on the lifestyle you're trying to create. Inbox ≠ Productivity Your inbox is everyone else's to-do list. Systemize it and delegate the noise. Start With One Win Show a burned-out team member how to get 20 minutes back in their day—then scale that momentum. Simplify Your Offers More products = more decisions = more confusion. Be exceptional at one thing, and dominate your niche. Track Everything That Matters What gets measured gets improved. KPIs aren't optional—they're your roadmap to scaling with purpose. Build a Culture of Ownership Use the "1-3-1 Method": team members bring 1 problem, 3 possible solutions, and 1 recommendation. That's how leaders are developed. Stop Playing Firefighter If you're always putting out fires, you're not running your business—it's running you. Learn to slow down, prioritize, and delegate effectively.     🔗 How to Connect with David Forster If you're a business owner who's tired of the grind and ready to build a business that works without killing yourself, David is your guy. 🌐 Website: https://www.systemsoversweat.com 📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.forster.52 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidforster     📣 Call to Action Are you stuck on the small biz hamster wheel? This is your sign to hop off, take a breath, and build intentionally. Share this episode with a fellow business owner who's buried in busy work, and tag us to let us know your biggest takeaway. Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

On this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Amanda Northcutt—a high-level sales pro turned six-time executive and now the founder of a multimillion-dollar coaching company. This episode isn't just about sales. It's about growth. Personal, professional, and everything in between. From selling Lexuses at 19 to coaching thought leaders who command $50K keynotes, Amanda has seen—and sold—it all. She shares her journey from grinding 100-hour work weeks in Silicon Valley to building a life and business around her values. We dig deep into the psychology of sales, how to lead from the front, and what it really takes to position yourself as a peer, not a peddler. If you're tired of burnout, chasing the wrong clients, or being stuck in the "hustle till you drop" trap—this episode will hit different.     🧠 What You'll Learn The $75K Fanny Pack Close How a so-called "bum" walked into a luxury dealership and paid cash for the most expensive car on the lot—and how Amanda, the intern, walked away with the sale. From Hustle to Harmony Why Amanda left big Silicon Valley money to prioritize her health, family, and fulfillment—and how she built a more profitable business by working smarter. Values = Boundaries = Growth How setting personal boundaries turned her from sales rep to respected peer in the eyes of clients—and how it can do the same for you. Coaching Top Experts What it takes to build a $30K+/month business helping other subject matter experts become top-tier consultants and keynote speakers. The 5 Questions That Drive Every Sale Amanda's framework for clarity in positioning, audience, methodology, and go-to-market strategy—whether you're selling SaaS, services, or yourself.     🚀 Key Takeaways Stop Judging, Start Listening: That "unqualified" prospect might be your biggest payday. Always lead with curiosity and respect. Set Boundaries or Burn Out: Until you respect your time, no one else will. Sales success doesn't mean 24/7 availability. Be the Matchmaker, Not the Beggar: Position yourself as a peer. You're not chasing clients—you're solving urgent, expensive problems. Your Message Must Match Your Market: The right language brings the right clients. Stop throwing spaghetti ads at the wall and get intentional. Small Offers = Big Trust: Start by solving the immediate pain. You'll earn long-term loyalty and stack lifetime value like a pro. Sales Is Personal Development: Want to level up your leadership? Start by mastering how you show up in the sales conversation. Retention Is the Real Flex: Amanda's model focuses on expansion and referral revenue. Happy clients are your best marketing asset.     🔗 How to Connect With Amanda Northcutt Want to learn how Amanda helps subject matter experts build wildly profitable coaching and consulting businesses? 💼 LinkedIn: Amanda Northcutt  🌐 Website: MRRExcelerator.com — If you're transitioning from top sales pro to coach or consultant, this program is the blueprint.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

If you've ever felt like you're lighting your marketing dollars on fire or chasing leads that just don't convert—this is your episode. I sat down with Michael Buzinski, founder of Buzzworthy Integrated Marketing and author of The Rule of 26, and we dropped serious game on the connection between sales, marketing, and ROI that most business owners miss. Michael shares an insane story about pitching a pro football team to the AFL, and we go deep on the difference between real marketing versus flashy distractions. He breaks down why your website is the only digital asset you truly own, the myth of social media security, and how to finally stop throwing money at marketing that doesn't move the needle. If you're a sales pro, business owner, or marketer trying to scale profitably, this one's non-negotiable. Let's get it. ✨ Episode Highlights 🧲 Marketing is the Magnet, Sales is the Collector Michael lays out one of the cleanest analogies I've ever heard: marketing is what attracts the right people to your business, but without a solid sales system to catch and close those leads, you're just spinning your wheels. So many entrepreneurs and sales teams treat marketing like a separate animal when in reality, marketing and sales are two hands on the same body. You can't close what never shows up, and you can't build trust without consistent, strategic messaging. 💸 The $350K Referral Disaster We talk about one of my clients who lost $350,000 in revenue overnight because a key referral partner decided to switch lanes. It's a brutal lesson: if your business relies on one stream of leads, you're always one relationship away from disaster. Buzz breaks down how smart marketers prepare for this with diversified traffic strategies and owned digital assets—no more putting all your eggs in Zuckerberg's basket. 🏚️ Why Your Website Is the Only Digital Real Estate You Truly Own A lot of folks still think a Facebook page or a LinkedIn profile is "good enough." Michael makes it clear: if you're building your empire on rented land, you're asking for a shutdown. Social platforms can delete you with no warning. Your website, your email list, and your data are what let you build a sustainable business without bowing to the algorithm gods. 🔥 Burning Cash Without Tracking It If you're spending money on ads, content, or SEO—and you're not tracking KPIs—you might as well be lighting $100 bills on fire and throwing them off a cliff. We dive into why pixels, tracking, and analytics tools aren't optional in 2025. If you can't tell what's working and what's not, you can't scale with confidence. 📘 The Rule of 26: A Blueprint for Doubling Revenue Michael's book lays out a no-fluff formula that any business can follow: increase website traffic, conversion rate, and average revenue per client by just 26% each, and you'll double your revenue. It's simple, trackable, and it actually works. It's not theory—it's math. And it's something you can start implementing today. ⛔ Saying No Makes You More Profitable Not every sale is a good sale. We talk about how 80% of your profit comes from 20% of your clients, and how the most successful businesses are ruthless about who they say "yes" to. If you want to scale sustainably, you need to fire the wrong clients and focus only on your top-tier audience. Buzz calls them P3Ps: Perfectly Profitable Prospects.   💡 Key Takeaways ✅ Sales and Marketing Must Be Aligned Stop treating them like enemies. Marketing creates awareness and opens the door—sales builds the relationship and closes the deal. When they work together with shared KPIs and strategy, that's when the magic happens. 🧠 Track the Right Metrics, Not Just the Flashy Ones Vanity metrics (likes, views, reach) don't pay the bills. Start tracking the metrics that move the needle: traffic, conversions, customer value. You can't improve what you don't measure. 🏗️ Own Your Platform and Protect Your Business Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn—those platforms can and do shut people down with zero warning. You need a solid website, email list, and first-party data that you control so no one can pull the plug on your revenue overnight. 🎯 Marketing That Doesn't Convert is Just a Distraction If your ads aren't leading to conversions and sales, they're just noise. Focus on strategy-first marketing that ties directly into your sales system. Every dollar spent should have a clear path to ROI. 📈 Use the Rule of 26 as Your Growth Playbook You don't need 100 metrics. You need three powerful KPIs: website traffic, conversion rate, and ARPC. Improve each one by 26%, and you'll see 100% revenue growth. No fluff, just facts. 🛑 Just Because You Can Close a Sale Doesn't Mean You Should Learn to say no to unprofitable clients. They cost you energy, time, and backend resources. Saying "no" to the wrong people is what creates space to say "yes" to the right ones. 🛠️ Control the Controllables You can't control the algorithm. You can't control the economy. But you can control how you market, how you track, and how you respond to trends. That's where your power is. Don't waste time worrying about what you can't change—focus on the levers you can actually pull.   🧠 Episode Wisdom "If you don't have KPIs, you're driving blind. You don't know if you're about to get rear-ended, side-swiped, or if you're even going the right way." — Michael Buzinski   🔗 How to Connect with Michael Buzinski 🎁 Free Signed Copy of The Rule of 26 Just cover shipping: ruleof26.com 🌐 Work with Michael : www.buzzworthy.biz 📘 LinkedIn Connect with Michael Buzinski   🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

It's Episode 100, baby! And I couldn't have picked a better guest to help celebrate than Lorrie Thomas Ross, aka The Marketing Therapist®. Lorrie's a powerhouse with two decades in the game—from outselling full-timers at JCPenney as a teen to running a successful digital agency that helps values-based brands scale with style and strategy. In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to sell with heart, how personal branding elevates your sales game, and why education trumps persuasion when it comes to converting clients. If you're ready to ditch outdated sales tactics and build real trust with your audience, this one is for you.     💡 What You'll Learn 🎯 Service -  Sales How Lorrie turned high-ticket retail clients into lifelong relationships by solving real problems (even shipping makeup to all four of their homes). 📈 The Sales-Marketing Connection Why the marketing budget is never just an expense—and how to tie it directly to revenue. 🧠 The Psychology of "No Pressure" Sales How giving clients the freedom to choose creates trust and closes deals faster. 🤳 Personal Branding for Salespeople What it really means to be "Googleable," and why your reputation needs to be louder than your pitch. 💌 Make 3 Meaningful Connections a Day The deceptively simple (but wildly effective) rule that will compound your success.     ✨ Episode Highlights "I'm a recovering salesperson." — How Lorrie embraced sales by focusing on education and service. $15K makeup order — A lesson in listening to your clients' lifestyle and making life easier for them. "Stop touching your Google Ads." — When caring looks like calling your clients out (with love). "Give to gain." — The mantra behind Lorrie's business, and why free value always wins long-term. Birthday videos that print money — Drewbie drops the mic on building relationships the right way.     💬 Key Takeaways 💡 Sales isn't about pushing—it's about presenting the right options and letting clients choose. 🎙️ When you teach, you sell. Education is the new persuasion. 🧠 Psychology matters: A relaxed sales process builds more trust than high-pressure closing. 🤝 Three meaningful connections a day is the cheat code for long-term success. ✨ Your personal brand should do most of the talking before you hit "dial." 📲 Video birthday messages can be a million-dollar play. Yes, seriously. 🛠️ Throwing money at ads won't fix a broken business. Get to the root of the problem.     🔗 How to Connect With Lorrie Thomas Ross Lorrie is walking the talk—and she's super easy to find. 🌐 Website: https://webmarketingtherapy.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrie-thomas-ross/ 📷 Instagram: https://instagram.com/webmarketingtherapy 📘 Download: Nail Your Sales Script PDF She also said it best: "Just Google me, you'll find everything—including my hairstyles through the years!"     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

From Minnesota farm girl to president of a $20M company, Ursula Mentjes proves that intentional action plus a little grit is the real sales cheat code. In this episode, Ursula breaks down the exact mindset shifts that helped her go from $6.25/hour at Pier One to launching two successful coaching companies and impacting thousands of entrepreneurs along the way. This is a must-listen for anyone who's ever been told they "just need to make more dials." Spoiler alert: it's not about more calls, it's about better intention. Whether you're a sales rookie, a seasoned closer, or a business owner trying to scale, Ursula delivers the practical strategies and mental reframe that will help you win more deals—and feel good doing it.     💡 What We Covered 🚜 From Farm Girl to Fortune Ursula shares the pivotal advice from a mentor that launched her into outside sales and changed her life forever. 💥 Ditch the 100 Calls a Day Rule She unpacks how switching from "mindless volume" to purpose-driven activity helped her 10X her results—and how it can do the same for you. 🎯 The Power of Sales Intention It's not about the pitch. It's about the energy, presence, and belief you bring to every interaction. 🤝 Relationship > Transaction Whether she's selling, coaching, or managing a team, Ursula's golden rule is simple: treat people like gold. Build real relationships and the revenue will follow. 💼 Building Two Coaching Empires One supports service-based CEOs. The other helps construction companies scale from $1M to $10M+—all through process, mindset, and AI-backed strategy. 🎁 BONUS: Nail Your Sales Script Ursula shares her free resource for crafting intentional sales messages—whether it's email, voicemail, or DMs. No more awkward outreach that goes nowhere.     💬 Key Takeaways Sales isn't about pressure—it's about presence. The fastest path to trust is being real, being ethical, and actually listening. If you're not confident yet, borrow confidence from someone who believes in you until you build your own. Success is personal. Define your version and go after it with intention. Don't disqualify yourself. If you're willing to do the work, you can win in sales.   🔗 How to Connect with Ursula Mentjes Want to learn how to build your sales empire with intention and clarity? 🌐 Website: https://www.ursulainc.co 📥 Grab the Free "Nail Your Sales Script" Bundle: Click here (will be hyperlinked in show notes) 📲 Instagram: @ursulamentjes 🎙️ Podcast: Quantum Revenue Expansion 📚 Books: Selling with Intention, Belief Zone, The One Great Goal (available via her website & Amazon)     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads  

This one's for all my sales pros out there who are tired of the push, pressure, close model. In this episode, I sit down with business strategist Stephanie Hayes, and we talk about what really drives sales in today's world—empathy, intuition, and integrity. Stephanie is a powerhouse consultant who has made a name for herself by teaching entrepreneurs, especially women, how to sell in a way that feels aligned—not aggressive. We dive deep into the dynamics of selling without scripts, overcoming fear-based objections, and knowing when to walk away from a bad fit (yes, not all money is good money). If you've ever felt like traditional sales advice doesn't fit your style, this episode is going to hit hard and change the way you approach every single conversation.     💡 What We Talked About 🧠 Why Empathy is the Ultimate Sales Advantage Stephanie shares a story where not being allowed to talk in a meeting led to her landing the deal—just by listening and leaning into intuition. 🚫 Stop Trying to Close Everyone We explore how trying to "win" every sale backfires—and how honesty and discernment build trust, community, and long-term business. 🧲 How to Create Raving Fans Without High Pressure Stephanie unpacks how transparency and service-based selling have led to lifelong referrers—even from prospects she never worked with. 💬 Why Scripts Are Crutches (And What to Do Instead) If you've ever leaned too hard on a sales script, this one's for you. Stephanie reveals why curiosity and asking the right questions will always outperform rehearsed lines. 👩‍💼 The Rise of Female-Led Sales Culture We dig into how women are transforming the sales game with compassion, clarity, and killer instincts—and why the "old boys club" model is outdated and ineffective.     👊 Key Takeaways Listening > Talking — When you shut up and ask the right questions, the sale practically closes itself. Sales is a two-way interview — Just because they have a credit card doesn't mean they're the right client. Objections are rooted in fear — Your job is to help prospects borrow your confidence until they believe in themselves. Not every sale is worth the money — Protect your energy, your business, and your sanity. The best sales tool? Happy clients — Do great work and your clients will do the selling for you.     🔗 How to Connect with Stephanie Hayes If you're a service provider, coach, or consultant looking to build a scalable, soul-aligned business—Stephanie's your go-to. 🌐 Website: https://stephaniehayes.biz 🎙️ Podcast: Business Design Podcast 📱 Instagram: @stephaniehayes.biz   🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads

Today's guest brings Hollywood charm, tech genius, and a mission to help people build real human connections—without awkward small talk or cold outreach anxiety. You may know Daniel Goddard from his 1,000+ episodes on The Young & the Restless, but these days, he's creating something even more powerful than daytime drama. Daniel is the founder of Disco, an AI-powered networking platform that helps you connect with people based on shared interests, values, and goals. This isn't another "faceless bot" trying to set an appointment. It's a tool that shows you how to actually relate to someone—so you can build rapport, earn trust, and grow your business the right way. Whether you're slinging roofs, closing SaaS deals, or helping students prepare for college life—this conversation will reshape the way you think about sales, tech, and real connection in the modern world.     💡 What We Talked About 🎭 From Soap Operas to Software Daniel breaks down how years in front of the camera taught him the most valuable sales lesson of all: everyone is selling something—whether they know it or not. 🧠 AI as a Tool (Not a Terminator) Forget the doom and gloom. Daniel shows how AI can enhance human relationships, not replace them. 🔗 Disco: AI Matching Based on Real Interests No more cold intros or "what do you do?" conversations. Disco matches users based on over 200 social and work-related tags, helping you connect instantly with like-minded people—wherever you are in the world. 📍 GPS-Based Networking Want to "attend" a conference in Vegas while you're chilling on a beach in Hawaii? Daniel's platform lets you drop in virtually, place a digital billboard, and start making meaningful connections without leaving your house. 🎯 Solving Real Problems in Real Time Whether you're trying to connect students before their first day of college or help enterprise teams cut travel budgets, Daniel's focus is on solving human problems at scale. That's the future of sales. 🤝 The Truth About Connection Sales still comes down to one thing: rapport. And tools like Disco are giving us the shortcut to start those conversations the right way.     👊 Key Takeaways Everything is sales – From acting gigs to daily conversations, you're always selling yourself. AI is not the enemy – It's a tool that saves time and helps you connect with the right people faster. Salespeople don't fail because of lack of talent – They fail because they don't start the damn conversation. You're not pitching—you're solving pain – Figure out what hurts, fix it, and build a relationship while you're at it. The future belongs to the connected – Whether it's students, professionals, or sales killers, community matters more than ever.     🔗 How to Connect with Daniel Goddard Want to see how Disco works and get ahead of the AI + community curve? 🌐 Website: https://dysko.co 📲 Instagram: @danielgoddard ✉️ Contact: Use the "Contact Us" form at dysko.co Bonus: Daniel and his team personally respond to messages. No bots. No BS. Just real people building real things.     🎯 Call to Action Call The Damn Leads "By sales professionals, for sales professionals - Tales of your wildest sales stories and tactics to succeed in your sales career across various industries." Join Drewbie Wilson, a sales veteran with over 20 years of experience, as he brings you insider stories, humor, and actionable strategies to excel in your sales journey. Your weekly dose of: Wild Sales Stories: Engaging tales of real-life sales adventures. Proven Tactics: Actionable strategies to boost your sales game. Humor: A fun and energetic perspective on the world of sales. Expert Insights: Learn from seasoned professionals in various industries. Don't miss out on the insights, humor, and strategies that can take your sales career to new heights! Sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners striving to enhance their sales, marketing, and personal growth to achieve financial success and time freedom. If you'd like to be a guest on our show please leave your contact information and a brief message selling us on what makes your story worth sharing! https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast Follow Drewbie: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides Follow Call The Damn Leads: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads